Association between pulse wave velocity and coronary atherosclerosis.

Background: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is considered a more direct and accurate measure of arterial stiffness. This study explored the relationship between PWV and the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and coronary artery plaque (CAP).

Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Miami Heart Study (MiHeart).

Use of e-cigarettes, traditional combustible cigarettes, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein: The Cross Cohort Collaboration.

This cross-sectional study included 18,797 participants from 6 longitudinal cohorts (CARDIA, FHS Gen III, HCHS/SOL, MESA, MiHeart, and REGARDS), and 5,806 of them had high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measurements. We found that exclusive electronic cigarette (EC) use was associated with significantly lower hs-CRP levels compared to exclusive combustible cigarette use, suggesting a potentially lower inflammatory burden. hs-CRP levels in dual users and former smokers currently using EC were comparable to those observed in exclusive cigarette smokers.

REsCue trial: Randomized controlled clinical trial with extended-release calcifediol in symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients.

Objectives: This double-blind randomized controlled trial investigated raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) with extended-release calcifediol (ERC) on time to symptom resolution in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Methods: COVID-19 outpatients received oral ERC (300 mcg on days 1-3 and 60 mcg on days 4-27) or placebo (NCT04551911). Symptoms were self-reported daily.

Implications of Coronary Artery Calcium Testing for Treatment Decisions Among Statin Candidates According to the ACC/AHA Cholesterol Management Guidelines: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

This review evaluates the cost-effectiveness of using coronary artery calcium (CAC) to guide long-term statin therapy compared with treating all patients eligible for statins according to 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol management guidelines for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The authors used a microsimulation model to compare costs and effectiveness from a societal perspective over a lifetime horizon. Both strategies resulted in similar costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).